Virginia Christmas : Christmas Celebrations in Virginia (VA)

Virginia is a state located in the South Atlantic region of United States. It is bordered by Maryland and Washington, D.C. to the north and east; by the Atlantic Ocean to the east; by North Carolina and Tennessee to the south; by Kentucky to the west; and by West Virginia to the north and west.

Richmond is the capital and Virginia Beachis the largest city of Virginia.

Some of the popular tourist destinations in Virginia include – Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, Wolf Trap National Park, etc.

Christmas Celebrations in Virginia :

The capitol city of Richmondwill kickoff the holiday season with the Richmond Christmas Parade on the first Saturday in the month of December featuring giant helium balloons, floats, marching bands and, of course, the arrival of Santa.

Virginia is known for its legendary 100 Miles of Lights which offer millions of twinkle lights and grand illuminations across six cities – Richmond, Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Old Town Alexandria celebrates Christmas with a Christmas Scottish Walk and a Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on the Potomac River takes place on first Saturday in the month of December.

The holiday season in Alexandria has various other events including the annual Candlelight Tours and New Year’s Eve First Night celebrations.

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is the place where Christmas shines brightest with eight million lights, holiday shows, festive shopping, dining, rides and lot more. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens transforms this amusement park is transformed into a Christmas wonderland.

Christmas at Mount Vernon is a mansion tour to experience how George Washington celebrated the holidays with themed decorations, a gingerbread Mount Vernon, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th-century dancing, and even a Christmas camel.

Bull Run Festival of Lights is a annual Christmas lights display taking place in Centreville from mid November to first week of January at the Bull Run Regional Park. This holiday lights display features penguins, snowmen, deer, candy canes and Santa. After viewing the holiday lights you can visit the Winter Wonderland Holiday Village that includes amusement rides, an ice skating rink, entertainment, shopping, contests, food, and more.

The annual Reston Holiday Parade takes place on a day after Thanksgiving in Reston Town Center. This full day celebration includes an Annual Race for the Kids, a thanksgiving parade, visits with Santa, the tree lighting and carriage rides.

Celebrate Christmas in Virginia Beach with the McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach which features giant blocks of festive displays illuminated by thousands of lights along the Virginia Beach boardwalk. Other attractions include feature festive fish, jumping dolphins, Santa & his reindeer, a Nativity scene, and lots more.

The James River Parade of Lights takes place on second Saturday in December when beautifully decorated boats sparkle on the James River starting in Richmond and traveling onto Henricus Historical Park in Chesterfield County. There are five viewing sites: Libby Hill and Rocketts Landing area in the city of Richmond, Osborne Park and Boat Landing in Henrico County, and Henricus Historical Park and Dutch Gap Boat Landing in Chesterfield County. This parade is region’s most cherished holiday event.

Every year the Hampton Holly Days Parade takes place on second Saturday in December in downtown Hampton. This parade features elaborate floats, marching bands, classic antique cars and Santa with his reindeer parading from City Hall to Darling Stadium.

The Annual Grand Illumination Parade in Downtown Norfolk takes place on third Saturday in the month of November to kick-off six weeks of holiday events and activities in Norfolk and Olde Towne Portsmouth. This Parade features spectacular floats, marching bands, giant balloons, dancers and Santa himself.

Manassas Christmas Parade is held every year in the Old Town Manassas on first Saturday in the month of December. The festivities also include a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a gingerbread contest and lots of holiday activities for all ages.

Throughout the holiday season, the 360-acre estate of Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in Leesburg comes alive with historic and handcrafted decorations. Explore the estate and enjoy live music, unique shopping and afternoon tea.